Welp, it’s that time of the year again.
It’s the time when I’m pitted against nearly every college football fan in the state — Hawaii vs. San Jose State.
My hometown Spartans are set to host the surging Rainbow Warriors in San Jose, Calif., on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. local time.
And, I’m in all likelihood about to lose another bet.
Hawaii (4-1, 1-0 MW) has fans buzzing with their hot start this season after going just 3-9 in 2017.
The Rainbow Warriors offense has been running up scoreboards. Other than a 28-21 loss to Army a couple of weeks ago, UH has lit it up with 43, 59, 43 and 42-point results.
UH redshirt sophomore quarterback Cole McDonald has put on a show in head coach Nick Rolovich’s run-and-shoot offense.
Through four games, he’s 122-183 passing for 1,759 yards, 20 touchdowns and just one interception, according to Hawaii Athletics.
McDonald has so far completed 66.7 percent of his passes and has averaged 351.8 passing yards per game. His name has been seen in plenty headlines, deservedly so.
San Jose State (0-3) meanwhile has stumbled through three games leading up to its Mountain West conference opener.
Things got rocky to start off when SJSU fell to University of California-Davis, 44-38, in the season opener. Associated Press reported it was the first FCS-FBS upset of the season.
But then after losing in a 31-0 rout to Washington State, SJSU did put up its best effort yet last week. The Spartans hung tough against No. 20 Oregon in a 35-22 loss in Eugene, Ore.
In that game, Spartans junior quarterback Josh Love was 15-31 for 238 yards passing, one touchdown and two picks. Though he ran the offense against Oregon, expect Love to split time with sophomore QB Montel Aaron.
Also worth noting, Rolovich and SJSU head coach Brent Brennan are old buds, and their friendship goes beyond the gridiron.
“I love Nick. Nick and I have had a friendship that started when we were young coaches. In years past, we’d get together and talk football and big picture stuff and our families are friends.” Brennan said to The Mercury News. “When he was coaching at the University of Nevada, my dad was really sick and I was going to Reno all the time to visit and Nick would come to the house and hang out with us. We spend time together in the offseason when we can. It’s a great friendship I cherish. In terms of the rivalry, we’re both hyper-competitive and when you’re going up against someone you respect, there’s something a little extra to it.”
Hawaii is a 10-point favorite at SJSU, according to OddsShark as of Thursday.
I honestly think that’s a bit low considering UH’s high offensive output this season, but perhaps the oddsmakers see something in SJSU after putting on a dogged effort against a top-25 team despite an 0-3 record.
Also consider that while UH has certainly put up points, the team has also given up its fair share of points to the opposition.
Though five games, UH’s opponents have put up 34, 41, 29, 28 and 21 points.
But considering where both teams are currently, I don’t see SJSU pulling off an upset at home.
I envision UH, with its run-and-shoot offense, will at some point begin to widen its lead and SJSU won’t be able to catch up. I predict Hawaii wins and comfortably covers the 10 points.
So, that’s great for all you UH fans out there.
But for me, as it’s been since I’ve come to Kauai, I will be hoping for an SJSU victory against UH on Saturday. And if I again take another L and lose yet another friendly wager, so be it.
And for those of you asking, “Then why keep taking the bet?” Well, because of principle.
As I see at every KIF football game, each person in the crowd fervently represents for their school. I will do the same for my school.
But if SJSU wins, well then, Hail, Spartans, Hail!
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Nick Celario, sports writer, can be reached at 245-0437 or ncelario@thegardenisland.com.
